Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Maddy summaryHJRES 53 proposes a constitutional amendment to ban slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment. Currently, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution permits such punishments for crimes, creating a legal loophole. If ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures, this amendment would eliminate that exception nationwide, making it unconstitutional to impose forced labor or slavery as part of criminal sentences. The change would directly affect all states' criminal justice systems, particularly prison labor practices, by prohibiting these punishments for any offense.

This resolution expresses support for implementing a Transgender Bill of Rights that guarantees certain rights for transgender and nonbinary people with respect to public services and accommodations, employment, housing, health care, and other specified areas.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights are human rights and protected by the U.S. Constitution; (2) LGBTQIA+ Pride Month should be celebrated; and (3) all Americans should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

This resolution supports access to contraception and related reproductive health services, including by affirming the substantive due process rights that protect such access.

Maddy summaryHRES 1144 is a symbolic resolution designating June 3, 2022, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2022 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or policies but urges the public to wear orange, promote gun safety awareness, and hold community discussions about reducing gun violence during these dates. The resolution cites U.S. statistics on gun-related deaths and injuries as context for the designation. It directly affects the general public by encouraging voluntary observance and community engagement. The bill has no binding effect or funding provisions.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the proposed constitutional amendment known as the Equal Rights Amendment has been duly proposed by Congress and ratified by the states and is therefore valid as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. (The proposed amendment prohibits the United States or any state from denying or abridging equal rights under the law on account of sex.)

Maddy summaryHRES 507 is a non-binding House resolution condemning legislative actions and violence targeting transgender and nonbinary individuals. It references 2021 state bills restricting transgender youth access to gender-affirming medical care, sports participation, and public facilities, alongside statistics on rising violence (44 transgender killings in 2020) and mental health impacts. The resolution formally condemns discriminatory legislation and violence, remembers victims of transphobic hate, and commits to advocating for the community’s safety. As a symbolic resolution - not a law - it expresses congressional disapproval but does not create new policies or alter existing laws.

This resolution expresses support for (1) equal rights and protections for all people, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity; and (2) the designation of LGBTQ Equality Day on June 26 to commemorate Supreme Court decisions handed down on that day in 2003, 2013, and 2015. The resolution also acknowledges the need for further legislation to ensure that people in the United States are free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

Maddy summaryHRES 490 is a symbolic House resolution (not a law) passed on June 22, 2021, that reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting refugees and displaced persons globally. It highlights the scale of the global displacement crisis (over 82 million forcibly displaced people in 2020) and emphasizes the importance of the U.S. refugee resettlement program as a tool for security, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid. The resolution calls on the Secretary of State to continue robust funding, uphold U.S. leadership in refugee protection, support host countries, and meet refugee admissions goals. It directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation and international humanitarian efforts, though it does not create new legal requirements or allocate funds.

Maddy summaryHRES 437 is a symbolic House resolution designating June 4, 2021, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2021 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or policies but calls on the public to wear orange, increase awareness of gun violence, and focus on community safety efforts during summer months. The resolution references statistics on gun deaths and honors Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old victim of gun violence, to highlight the issue. It has no direct legal effect on individuals or communities but aims to promote public discussion.